Crown Point council adopts resolution supporting locked-out United Steelworkers; one member votes no, one abstains

The Crown Point City Council approved a resolution expressing support for United Steelworkers members locked out at a regional refinery, prompting brief debate over whether the council should weigh in on labor disputes.

Council President Joe Sanders presented the resolution, saying many union members and their families live in Crown Point and arguing the city should publicly support working families. "The council of Crown Point recognizes the important role that union workers and organized labor play in strengthening local communities," Sanders read from the proposed text.

Councilmember Laura Sman opposed taking a city position on a labor dispute, saying in more than 20 years on the council the body "has never taken a position on any labor dispute, national or local" and that the council should "stay in our lane." She said the council has no authority to end or resolve the lockout and would be reluctant to interpose itself in bargaining.

Councilmember Andrew Carris said he understood both perspectives but moved to approve the resolution; the motion passed. A roll call recorded at least one no vote and one abstention (Joe Sanders abstained). The council member who voiced institutional-responsibility concerns explained the no vote was not a comment on the workers but on the council's formal role.

The resolution does not create any city legal obligations; it registers the council’s support for the locked-out workers and their families and encourages bargaining in good faith. The item passed and will be reflected in council records.